Pacific / Vanuatu

Ban of plastic bags in Vanuatu will support local economy

06:36 am on 26 January 2018

An environmentalist says the ban on plastic bags in Vanuatu will not only benefit the environment but support the local economy.

Last year, the Vanuatu Environmental Science Society conducted a coastal clean up and in its survey of litter found underwater, plastic fragments were the highest of the lot.

Chief executive Christina Shaw said banning single-use, non-biodegradable plastic bags will encourage shoppers to use locally made alternatives.

"There are some beautiful baskets that are weaved here, that will last a long time and they will degrade back and not pollute the environment, so choosing a natural woven basket instead of a single-use plastic bag is a great way to support the local economy and the local mamas that make the baskets rather than using one that will be used for a couple of minutes before its disposed of," she said.